Facility Notes

Bears will research the possibility of
switching from grass to FieldTurf

Bears GM Jerry Angelo Thursday said that the team “discussed the possibility of switching to synthetic FieldTurf last year, and more research about a possible change will be conducted once the season ends.” Angelo said "the bottom line" is that Soldier Field's current grass field is "a safe surface." He added, "That's what we're fixed on, making sure we play on a safe surface." Angelo said Bears President & CEO Ted Phillips “wants to get more comfortable in the research" about FieldTurf before making a decision. Angelo: "I'm not ruling it out, and we'll do our due diligence with the research” (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 1/6).

TAKING IT TO THE BANK: Webster Bank has signed a 10-year naming-rights agreement for the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn. The Arena at Harbor Yard is home to the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Webster Bank). In Connecticut, Keila Torres notes Webster Bank’s name “will soon be featured prominently in a new full-color outdoor marquee, on two large signs on the building façade, in several locations inside the building and on highway directional signs.” As part of the agreement, Webster also will receive "digital messaging rights, promotional exposure in brochures, collateral materials and websites and premium hospitality options, as well as exclusive rights to install its ATM machines in the arena concourse” (CONNECTICUT POST, 1/7).

PUT A CAP ON IT: The Twins Thursday announced that they have sold out TwinsFest for the first time after capping "ticket sales at 25,000 for this year’s three-day event, which will take place on Jan. 28-30 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn.” TwinsFest “had originally been scheduled to take place at the Metrodome, but it had to change venues due to ongoing repairs” to the stadium’s roof (MLB.com, 1/6).